Chapter 227
When Camilla walked out of work that night and spotted Calvin’s car waiting outside the BLC building, she couldn’t hide her surprise. Things between her and the Carter family had gotten so ugly, she really didn’t think Calvin would ever try to see her again.
He didn’t say much, just got out and opened the car door, clearly expecting her to get in. Camilla crossed her arms and shook her head, her expression cool. “I’m not a fan of car conversations. If you really have something important to say, why don’t we go somewhere else p>
She wasn’t about to just hop into his car, not after everything that had happened. Lately, Camilla found herself automatically on guard around every Carter family member.
Calvin looked a little irritated, but since he needed her help, he swallowed his pride and followed her to a small restaurant around the corner. She noticed he wasn’t alone this time. He’d brought along his assistant and a lawyer.
Everything about the divorce had already been hashed out, so Camilla couldn’t figure out what else Calvin might want. When they slipped into the private dining room and Calvin laid out a stack of documents, it finally clicked. The words “Statement of Reconciliation” stared back at her from the top of the page. That’s what this was about.
Calvin’s voice was stiff. “Barnard can’t stay in jail forever. I know you’ve filed for divorce and are just waiting on the certificate. If he stays locked up, it’ll only slow things down for you, too. To save everybody some trouble, I had someone draft this statement. Just sign it and we’re all set p>
Apparently, the idea came from Davina. Neither Calvin nor Laura thought much of her, and everyone knew Davina was only so eager for this because she wanted to get engaged to Barnard. But with no better options on the table, Calvin had to grit his teeth and go along.
Camilla glanced at the papers and then back at Calvin. “And why exactly do you think I’d sign this? Barnard is serving his time for a reason. He drugged me. That’s a fact. I could take this to court and file for divorce based on it, and I’d get those papers either way. I’m just not seeing a reason to help you out here p>
Calvin’s jaw tightened. There was a time when he’d admired how smart and shrewd Camilla was. Now, it only irritated him.
He tried to sweeten the deal. “Sign the statement and I’ll give you eight million. Consider it compensation for all you’ve gone through p>
Camilla shook her head, not missing a beat. “It’s like you forgot why Barnard ended up in prison. Letting him out puts me in danger. I need something to protect myself. Instead of just handing over eight million, how about this—we sign an agreement. If Barnard shows up in my life after the divorce, you pay me. That strikes me as a much better guarantee p>
She was willing to sign the statement if the Carter family gave her what she wanted. With the tables finally turned, Camilla wasn’t planning to settle for less.
Calvin understood and hesitated, weighing his options. “Fine. If you go along with this and Barnard comes near you after the divorce paperwork is done, I’ll pay one million each time p>
Camilla shot him a look. “One million is pocket change for your family. It won’t stop Barnard if he’s determined. How about ten million p>
Calvin slammed his hand on the table. “Camilla, that’s outrageous p>
Camilla just shrugged. “If we can’t make a deal, that’s fine by me. I’m not the desperate one here. The internet is already crawling with speculation about Barnard. Imagine what everyone will think if he doesn’t show his face for six months. And if by chance p>
“That’s enough, Camilla. Our family was good to you. Why are you being so merciless?” Calvin spat out, his voice tight with anger.
She gave him a cold smile. “Oh, please. After what Barnard did, you seriously want to talk to me about kindness? We stopped pretending to get along a long time ago, didn’t we? No need to keep up appearances. Either you meet my terms or this is over p>
Calvin’s hands shook as his assistant quickly passed over some medication. He took it, waited for his breathing to slow, and glared across the table. “Ten million is too much. Five. Final offer p>
Camilla didn’t answer. She just stared at him quietly, not budging.
Calvin lost patience. “Six. That’s as high as I’ll go p>
She sighed, her tone soft but firm. “Let’s compromise. Eight million. Any less would just be insulting, don’t you think? Besides, everyone knows Barnard’s in love with Davina. You’re basically helping him marry the woman he actually wants. He’ll settle down, trust me. This agreement is just a safety net for me. Who knows if I’ll ever even need to use it. Honestly, Calvin, if you’re so worried, maybe teach your new daughter-in-law how to keep an eye on him p>
Something in Calvin’s face finally shifted. She could tell her words had hit home. He knew she was right. Barnard had bent every rule for Davina. Now that he was getting what he wanted, he’d finally settle—and Camilla would be out of their lives for good.